Tasty Plant-Based Swaps For No Meat May

It's no longer necessary to give up meat to be vegetarian or vegan. Plant-based alternatives are now in abundance, from mouthwatering 'beef' burgers to crispy, umami bacon pieces. Not only are these alternatives delicious, but they're better for the planet, animal welfare, and our health.

Taking part in challenges like No Meat May are a great way to ease yourself into consuming fewer meat products. There's a sense of solidarity because many others are embarking on the same journey, and there's even more advice and recipe inspiration being shared than usual. So if you're one of the thousands of people taking part in this year's No Meat May, my advice is to be open-minded. Be willing to try new things and have a positive mindset - being negative only sets you up to fail!

As meat alternatives are pretty much everywhere you look these days, I thought it would be helpful to list a few of the best on the market at the moment. So let’s dive in! 

Beef mimicking burgers have taken centre stage in the world of food lately. Products such as the Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger can be found served in high-street restaurants and supermarkets. They're not only easy to find, but easy to cook, too. 

You can find vegan chicken burgers in supermarkets and fast-food chains like KFC and Burger King. They provide all the delicious flavour and crisp texture, without any of the cholesterol and cruelty. The best of both worlds!

Hot dogs made from animal products are highly processed and made up of trimmings that would otherwise have gone to waste. They're high in saturated fat, sodium, and harmful ingredients, so it's a good thing that the vegan alternative is here to save the day! The vegan versions are often made from tofu, vegetables, or pea protein, but don't let that put you off; they still taste and look like the hot dogs you're used to.

If you've got a craving for something meaty, there's no better fix than a juicy, plant-based steak. Just remember to treat the vegan version like the real thing - cover in delicious herbs and spices, olive oil, and fry on a griddle pan to get a good sear. 

Going meat-free doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your Saturday morning bacon sarnie. Whether you want something more realistic and mouthwatering (THIS Bacon) or something more nutritious (Tofurky Tempeh Bacon), I've got you covered with the following recommendations.

Mince is a staple in my household because it's so versatile. You can make burrito bowls, tacos, bolognese, loaded fries, lasagna, shepherd's pie, the list goes on. Just like meat-based mince, vegan mince requires some flavouring for it to reach its full potential - so make sure you fry it well to get a good bite and be generous with seasoning!

You can't beat a good sandwich, whether it's a simple ham and cheese toastie or a fully loaded club sandwich. Not only are there countless vegan cheese alternatives, but there are also vegan deli meats and sandwich slices for you to choose from too. 

Who said plant-based food isn't convenient? Of course, it's a lot cheaper to make all of your meals from scratch, but some days call for a quick microwave or oven meal. 

If you're one of the many folks that watched Seaspiracy and are put off seafood forever, allow me to introduce you to the following tasty alternatives that'll have you wondering why you ever ate seafood in the first place.